Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens is once again challenging Eden Prairie residents to conserve water, energy and natural resources by participating in the Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. This free online contest is a friendly competition between cities across the nation to see who can be the most “water-wise.”
In 2012, Eden Prairie won first place for the Midwest region in the annual contest, with the highest percentage of residents taking the pledge, versus other cities in the 30,001–100,000 population category.
Throughout the month of April 2013, Tyra-Lukens encourages City residents to make a series of online pledges at mywaterpledge.com on behalf of Eden Prairie. Participants promise to follow a series of conservation measures for their homes, yards and cars, such as washing only full loads of laundry, fixing leaky faucets and walking or biking short distances.
At its April 16 meeting, the City Council will also adopt a resolution supporting the “Wyland Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation.”
Tyra-Lukens’ commitment to the conservation of Eden Prairie’s natural resources was intensified by the inaugural Sundance Summit’s Mayors’ Gathering on Climate Protection in 2005. There she participated in the summit and signed the Mayor’s Commitment to Action, which led to the formation of the City’s Conservation Commission, launching the 20-40-15 energy-efficiency initiative, participation in the Minnesota Green Step Cities program and receiving an honorable mention for the 2011 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards.
Tyra-Lukens said the Mayor’s challenge is a great way for residents to see how their everyday environmental decisions can make a positive impact on life in the City.
“Eden Prairie residents demonstrated their commitment to conservation when we won the challenge last year, but I encourage residents to take their commitment to sustainability even further. Small, simple actions to save water and energy can contribute to a more energy-efficient future for Eden Prairie,” she said.
Eden Prairie will once again compete in the Midwest region, versus other cities with similar populations (30,001-100,000 residents) for the highest percentage of residents taking the pledge. Participants in the winning cities can qualify for prizes, including a Toyota Prius, Lowe’s gift cards and water-saving systems. Ideas for what residents can do to conserve our natural resources are available on the mywaterpledge.com website and in the “Living Green” section of the City’s website, edenprairie.org/livinggreen.
The Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation is sponsored by the Wyland Foundation, with support from Toyota, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National League of Cities, CH2M Hill’s WaterMatch, Rain Bird Corporation, Lowe's Home Improvement stores and the U.S. Forest Service.